The test, known as a modal survey, was designed to validate the rigid characteristics of the spacecraft to ensure launch and other sources of vibrations such as reaction wheels, solar arrays and various deployable and steerable mechanisms will not impact the communications payload.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems engineers conducted the successful test, which included 292 accelerometers, 508 accelerometer channels and six shakers mounted to the structure and surrounding ground surface.

"Our highly successful modal testing and analysis has verified that we have a robust spacecraft design for achieving success on this critical mission," said Julie Sattler, vice president of LMSS.

Based on Lockheed Martin's A2100 spacecraft series, Advanced EHF satellites will provide greater total capacity and offer channel data rates higher than the existing Milstar communications satellites. The higher data rates permit transmission of tactical military communications such as real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data.

The spacecraft now will be shipped to ATK, in Corona, Calif., for refurbishment and final painting prior to shipment to Lockheed Martin's Mississippi Space & Technology Center for integration with its propulsion subsystem. The first Advanced EHF satellite is scheduled for launch in April 2008.

Lockheed Martin currently is under contract to provide the three Advanced EHF satellites and a command control system to the MILSATCOM Joint Program Office, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Northrop Grumman Space Technology is the payload provider.

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